Perficient Expands Automotive Innovation with 2025 Formula SAE and Formula Student Partnerships
Perficient, a leading global digital consultancy known for transforming the world’s largest enterprises and most recognizable brands, has announced significant updates to its Electrifying the Future of Automotive initiative. In 2025, Perficient will support 12 Formula SAE and Formula Student teams from prestigious universities in the United States and Romania. These partnerships reflect Perficient’s commitment to fostering innovation in the automotive industry by supporting collegiate teams dedicated to designing and developing the next generation of formula-style race cars.
Formula SAE and Formula Student programs provide a unique platform for engineering students to gain hands-on experience in designing, building, and racing formula-style vehicles. These competitions challenge teams to push the boundaries of technology, optimize vehicle performance, and advance technical development in automotive engineering. By engaging with these talented students, Perficient is not only supporting emerging talent but also ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled engineers for the future of the automotive industry.
Expanding Support for Collegiate Innovation
Perficient’s collaboration with these collegiate teams goes beyond financial sponsorship. The company’s automotive experts work directly with students, offering mentorship, technical insights, and career guidance. Through these interactions, students gain a clearer understanding of real-world automotive engineering challenges and opportunities, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, electrification, and vehicle connectivity.
In addition to technical support, Perficient professionals visit team garages, discuss career paths in automotive and digital industries, and provide encouragement throughout the competitive season. This hands-on engagement allows students to see firsthand how a global digital consultancy collaborates with top automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and mobility companies to drive innovation forward.
For the 2025 season, Perficient has partnered with teams from the following universities:
- Northwestern University
- Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
- Texas A&M University
- The Ohio State University
- University of Colorado, Boulder
- University of Georgia, Athens
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- University of Missouri, Columbia
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte
- University of California, Irvine
- Washington University in St. Louis
Advancing Automotive Engineering Through Competition
Each year, Formula SAE and Formula Student teams compete in highly technical national and international events, where they are judged on their design, performance, and innovation. These competitions serve as an incubator for groundbreaking automotive advancements, pushing students to explore new technologies in aerodynamics, powertrains, and materials science.
Perficient recognizes the importance of these programs in shaping the automotive industry’s future. “These Formula SAE and Formula Student teams are helping drive the future of the automotive industry, and we’re thrilled to deepen our investment in their programs,” said Justin Huckins, director of digital strategy and automotive industry lead at Perficient. “Our ongoing partnership with these teams demonstrates our commitment to automotive innovation, and we can’t wait to see what happens this season!”
The Shift to Electrification: Formula Buckeyes’ Bold Transition
As the automotive industry evolves, many teams are exploring alternative energy solutions. While several of Perficient’s partner teams still compete in the internal combustion engine (ICE) category, an increasing number are shifting toward electric vehicle (EV) technology. This transition aligns with the global automotive industry’s shift toward sustainability and electrification.
One of the most notable transitions for the 2025 season comes from The Ohio State University’s Formula Buckeyes team, which has made the strategic decision to move away from internal combustion racing entirely and focus solely on developing an electric race car. Following an impressive 2024 season that saw them secure three first-place finishes in ICE competitions, the team is embracing the future by committing fully to EV technology.
“With a legacy of pushing technical boundaries, the shift to EV represents the Formula Buckeyes team’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and high-performance engineering,” said a Formula Buckeyes team representative. “We aim to build on our competitive success in internal combustion, applying the same level of precision, teamwork, and ingenuity to develop a cutting-edge electric race car. This transition is more than just a powertrain—it’s an opportunity to redefine what’s possible in collegiate motorsports and prepare the team for the future of the automotive industry.”
Perficient’s Leadership in Automotive Digital Transformation
Perficient’s expertise in the automotive sector extends beyond Formula SAE and Formula Student sponsorships. The company collaborates with seven of the world’s top ten original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as numerous suppliers, dealers, and emerging mobility companies. Their digital-first, customer-driven approach focuses on connected vehicles, electrification, and omnichannel commerce, helping automakers adapt to a rapidly changing industry landscape.
At the recent Reuters Automotive USA tradeshow, Perficient’s experts shared preliminary research findings on how connected products, including connected vehicles, are reshaping customer expectations. Their insights provided OEMs and suppliers with a roadmap to better prepare for evolving market demands. Additionally, Perficient’s previous research on electric vehicles (EVs) identified opportunities for legacy automakers and dealers to enhance the customer experience and accelerate EV adoption.
Perficient’s Electrifying the Future of Automotive initiative demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to supporting the next generation of automotive engineers. By partnering with Formula SAE and Formula Student teams, Perficient is helping students refine their engineering skills while fostering a spirit of innovation that will drive the automotive industry forward.
Through ongoing mentorship, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships, Perficient continues to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders in automotive technology. With a growing emphasis on electrification, sustainability, and digital transformation, Perficient is well-positioned to support the evolution of mobility for years to come.
To stay up to date on Perficient’s automotive initiatives, follow us on social media and visit our website to learn more about how we are driving digital transformation in the automotive industry.
